Library:

Non-denominational and Post-denominational by Steven M. Cohen

Young Jewish Adults in the United States Today - American Jewish Committee

Non Movement Seminary Set to Graduate Its First Rabbis - JTA

Hartman Institute to Ordain Women Rabbis

In Search of a Leader  

 Women Rabbis in a Post-Denominational Age

Some scholars believe that American Judaism is entering an age of post-denominationalism.  Studies have shown that the young adult (ages 18-29) members of the Jewish community are less and less willing to attach labels to the Judaism they practice.  While they may be very committed Jewishly, it is not to one particular movement or belief system.  As you read through the sources in the library above, think about the following questions:

• What does post-denominationalism mean for rabbinic leadership in the future? 
• Do rabbis need a particular religious ideology, or is it enough that they are "pro-Jewish"? 
• How does a non-denominational rabbinical seminary educate rabbis with respect to belief and ritual practice?
• What type of congregation might hire a rabbi from a non-denominational seminary?  What type of congregation might be unwilling to do so?
• What impact might non-denominational seminaries have on the traditional denominational rabbinical seminaries

FIRST:  Read Professor Steven M. Cohen's article, "Non-denominational and Post-denominational."  How does Professor Cohen define each of these terms?  Give an example of how each one plays out in today's Jewish community. 

SECOND:  Read the Executive Summary of the American Jewish Committee's study on Young Jewish Adults in the United States today and answer the following questions.

    1)  What is an Executive Summary?  Google it and find a definition.

    2)  What did the AJC Committee find out about Young Jewish Adults with respect to Jewish denominationalism?

    3)  Do you see yourself in the AJC's description of young Jewish adults?  Why or why not?

THIRD:  Read the article from JTA entitled "Non Movement Seminary Set to Graduate Its First Rabbis"

FOURTH:  Read the article from JTA entitled "Hartman Institute to Ordain Women Rabbis" and answer the following questions: